Ballymena Spring Sale

Friday 12th April 2013

Blues Top 3,700gns - Despite Fodder Shortage Dampening Trade

Judge, John Killen from Crossgar, Downpatrick, had a small but select show of “Blues” at the inaugural British Blue Cattle Society Show & Sale, held at Ballymena Livestock Mart, on Friday 12th April 2013, the main sponsor of the event being Provita.

Knockagh Freddie, with Judge John Killen and Rachel Wilson from Provita
Knockagh Freddie, with Judge John Killen and Rachel Wilson from Provita

He put up as his Champion, Knockagh Freddie ET, out of Knockagh Vapour ET by Hazelwood King, breed average for Carcass Yield Index but in the top 10% of the breed for calving ease. He was knocked down at 3,700gns, to JAS Hughes, Newtownards.

Judging at Ballymena
Judging at Ballymena

The Reserve Champion going to Annaghone Goliath, out of Annaghone Candy by Blak Du Baty D’Eprave, a bull in the top 25% of the breed for 600-day weight. He made 2,400gns and finds a new home with Matthew Workman, Larne.

Selling the Champion
Selling the Champion

The gross shortage of fodder in the Province, put a major dampener on trade, with 4 bulls being sold, averaging £2,664.

Champion
A lonesome Bull!

4 Embryos, out of Springbank Christmas by Visconti, realised 230gns each

Leading Prices
Knockagh Freddie (Lot 30) – 3,700gns
Annaghone Goliath (Lot 41) – 2,400gns
Magheradroll Gabriel (Lot 39) – 2,100gns
Scad Hill Glen (Lot 42) – 1,950gns

Show Results
Class 1:
1st – Knockagh Freddie (Lot 30)
2nd – Lakeview Golden Star (Lot 31)
3rd – Ballydonaghy Gold (Lot 33)
Class 2:
1st – Lukeroyal Guru ET (Lot 37)
2nd – Magheradroll Gabriel (Lot 39)
3rd – Lukeroyal Gino (Lot 38)
Class 3:
1st – Annaghone Goliath (Lot 41)
2nd – Scad Hill Glen (Lot 42)
3rd – Ballyhossett Glyn (Lot 40)

Norman Hammond with Rachel Wilson from Provita
Norman Hammond with Rachel Wilson from Provita

Rachel Wilson from Sponsors, Provita with Libby Young NIBCC Secretary
Rachel Wilson from Sponsors, Provita with Libby Young NIBCC Secretary

Onlookers!
Ballymena Sale
Ballymena Sale
Ballymena Sale
Ballymena Sale

auctioneers: J A McClelland & Sons

photographs: Fotacol: fotacol@newry.info